Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 253: Secrets

Pyres of noxious flame rose amidst the noble screams of those who had refused to take a knee. Their horrid deaths had been broadcasted the same instance Lord Blackwood, Earth's New Monarch, made his first statement. The world fell in despair, with hundreds rushing to storm the palace walls, only to be cut down before they could beg for mercy.

It was Nia, attended by her father, the Marquess Eli Cross, who led the charge against the banners of rebellion. The battle couldn't have lasted several minutes. The act had been a stain upon his honor, yet as he looked out at the slaughter to his daughter, cutting man and woman down like leaves, he couldn't help but wonder what went wrong.

His Nia had been of a righteous heart. One who would never raise a weapon against these so-called traitors. The day she returned, her hair had been the color of silver, her eyes a burning yellow, all the while, her skin took on a greyish hue.

'What has happened to my daughter?' he wondered, turning an eye towards the Palace, his eyes attempting to peer through the wall to find the one upon the Throne.

"Marquess Cross," said Nia, wielding her crimson spear. "You will advance upon Zamptis and prove to our New King your resolve: Be they man, woman, and child, you will uproot any resistance."

Eli nearly broke, biting back the tears; he grinned an ugly smile and said, " I understand. For the Honor of King Blackwood!" he saluted.

"Keep that resolve… Father. Send the broadcast to the people of Earth. Let them know the consequence of their actions." She commanded, returning to her lord's court. She fell to a knee, globs of large pearly tears cascading down her cheeks. "It's done… My Lord."

Listening to her muffled sniffles resound across the walls of his Court, Altair sighed, "This was your idea."

"I know… but it had to be done. The people trust Marquess Cross more than life. He is a man of unyielding conviction. You'll have a far easier time earning the people's trust with him by your side. But…"

"I will never earn his unyielding trust." The King scuffed." Is what you're saying? Then I hope you work on your relationship with him, Nia. A noble has no place if he doesn't have value. If there is no loyalty, there is not much value. He lives only today out of my concern for you. And only that.

However, there are limits to my patience."

Nia looked stunned. "My Lord?" she said, as understanding swayed across her mind. Her head bowed in recognition. "I will succeed my Father."

Lord Blackwood did not say another word. He knew he was being cruel, but so was the Path of the King. He couldn't afford betrayal, at least not when they were under his terms. Not when Earth was so fragile, facing a far larger threat.

He dismissed her soon after, though not before rewarding her for her efforts by granting her her own dutchy on the named day she succeeded her Father alongside access to the Forge within Stygian.

"Now… all that's left is to deal with Azura," he muttered, closing his eyes as he waited.

He did not wait long, opening his eyes towards a stunningly azure blue tree possessing blossoms seemingly created out of pure, raw, ethereal energy. Each time the blossom fell, they danced through the air, dissipating into nothingness.

Beneath the tree sat Azura drinking a cup of tea, an empty chair across from her. She gestured to it.

And Altair obeyed, scanning his eyes over the foul lake of decomposing flesh and bile so foul he felt his stomach dip.

"According to what you told me," said Zero, flashing across the young lord's mind, "The Lake of Rot exists just outside the Myriad Heavens in the Abyss; this means you need to delay each time you return. Delay as much as you can."

"Why?" he asked, unable to understand.

"Because you… specifically need permission to transverse the Abyss. Your father's First Wife, the Queen of the Abyss, rules that domain. Her omnipotence ought to have sensed you."

"... Huh? I don't understand."

"There is a reason your Father told you never to visit the Abyss. It was all to keep you hidden away from the Queen. I can't imagine she was able to fully penetrate Cains or Azura's protection, but she ought to have sensed a disturbance in her mate's bloodline, aka you. So, when you ever return. Delay."

'Such a risky gamble,' He thought, face to face with Azura silently observing him. She seemed mildly surprised, though he could see why. His power had practically doubled, if not tripled, in the short month he had left the Lake of Rot.

"I'm impressed with your growth. Despite a lack of resources, your growth is comparable to that of some of our weaker crucible members. It was the same for Syris an hour ago."

'She will attempt to play mind games. Trying to get beneath your skin.' Said Zero, tapping his finger across the council table. 'She will probably try to play with your feelings by bringing up the loss of Solomon's daughter's virginity. As a practitioner of the Ninth Form, I need you not to react.'

The Prince's expression was blank, expecting as such. Still, he felt compelled to give some reaction to help aid in his delay, "Why does that matter? Especially to the Goddess of Rot."

"I was just wondering if there was any Yin to take? She was raped after all," said Azura, startling the Prince. "Oh? You didn't know? Oh yes, the day she died. It happened.

Curious, I wonder why she never told you."

Altair had something of a blank look written across his face. He'd heard of the Demon King, Belius, straight from Syris's lips, but never had she....

"I never knew you could make such a mournful expression. Most guys might have flown into a rage. It seems you are either more composed, or she doesn't mean that much, and it was just sex. Either way, we feel like we are morally obliged to let Soloman know that you are giving it to his daughter. Now, that might be interesting to watch."

She grinned when she saw his pale complexion crossing her legs. Did you really not think such a thing occurred? I'm sure she told you she died before. It's quite a common thing, you know. It's why many women opt to die before death."

"Is there a point to this? Or are you merely trying to get a rise out of me?" He asked, recomposing himself to a fine point sword. "Why am I here?"

"To gauge your progress, of course. Be it in Babels Tower or mentally. A sword that can't be sheathed typically loses its edge. You are a bit of a wild card. Unknown Origins attended by a Nephilim of all things and a Highborn Celestrial, born to a daughter of the First Family. It makes us all wonder about your origins."

Her fingers drummed against the rim of her tea cup. "Cain suggests we tie you down with marriage, forcing you to birth us a child. But… look at me. I killed my children in cold blood. Familiar bonds don't mean much to creatures at the top." She paused, peering up towards the azure tree blossoms. "Though, it is enough to trap boys and girls for a lifetime.

Could you ever abandon your son or daughter, Altair?"

"I'm not that demented." He answered.

"Demented? I suppose it might appear that way to a blind child. But I owe you no explanation. Tell me when you will venture into Babels Tower."

"In a few months. No set date."

"Syris said Six."

"Syris isn't leading," said the Prince coldly. And he thought, 'Seems she gave out the necessary information.'

"Perhaps. But I am remiss to inform you that you only possess thirty years. Some layers in Babels Tower can take up to twenty years per floor."

The Prince did not look worried. Who was he if not a man who defied possibilities?

"I don't care how much time it takes your average man. I am not your average lord."

"Your hubris will get you killed one day, boy."

Altair eyes dangerously narrowed, "I could say the same thing for you."

Azura opened a hand, conjuring a stack of parchment. "I'll contact you next month. During that time, you will be expected to choose a partner. Now that you are a candidate for the Crucible. You will actively partner up with various women if you cannot decide. We will decide for you.'

'Did they give Syris something like this?' he wondered but didn't get the chance to ask before he was sent back to Earth, in his hand the parchment he never reached for.

He held his tongue until he returned to the Palace of Stygian. "Bastards!" he cursed, tossing the parchment of paper across the floor. "As if I'd ever allow you access to my progeny."

****

Far outside the Citadel of the Abyss, amidst the primal chaos, peering towards the vast expanse. He stood, flooding like a child amidst the endless tide.

"The presence vanished again… tsk, damn it. Master is going to kill me. But why do I have to do this? It's so stupid. I miss the good old days of freedom. Damn you, Master!

One day, I, Eroma Snow, will escape you and your infernal training."

He hung his head, touching his rumbling stomach. "Ahh, and now I'm hungry. I wonder if Master cooked. For a bastard… he is surprisingly a good chef. AAAAAAAAH~ Fuck! If I return… I'll get to have some booty.

But I'll suffer beneath Master infernal treatment. But also, there'll be booty. But I'll also get food. And then there is booty. Damn it. Booty wins out again.

Looks like I'll have to try escaping during my next excursion. "